My semester at Muss so far has gone very well. Importantly, my classes and the schoolwork that comes along with it have been working their way into my daily routine and life here in Israel. Contrasting school here to school back home really doesn’t have that many differences aside from the schedule where I only have a select few classes that change depending on the week day and the classes are much smaller. But other than that school feels very similar. Wake up, rush to class straight from my bed, lethargically make it through the long day, procrastinating all day and doing my homework when I should be sleeping are all pretty much exactly what I do during a normal day back at home. But what really makes Israel such an amazing classroom and blows school at home out of the park are one: the day/overnight trips we go on frequently and two: the huge culture change of living in the Middle East. These trips, or tiyul, are incredible. One day you’re learning about cutting off the tips of you know what’s and the next your standing where the Maccabees overcame the seleucid dynasty. Just one month in and the semester class has gone to ancient Jewish civilizations that critical battles took place. On top of these mind blowing historical places, the introduction to Israeli culture is quite life changing. Just ordering pizza with someone who speaks little English is a memorable experience on it’s own. Walking through town and exploring the city of a new environment is very exciting and teaches you a lot about the lifestyle and economy that goes on in Israel. All in all, having Israel as my classroom for four months is such a huge opportunity. Thanks to my amazing Jewish studies teacher I’ve been able to explore so much of my Jewish identity and helped me learn about the meanings and origins of this religion. The class field trips we partake in make school more interesting and fun than I thought learning could ever possibly be.